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A is for ALPACA

Perhaps, on your way up to visit us, you may have indulged in a nostalgic game of eye-spy. Very quickly you’d find yourself spotting sheep, cows and maybe, if you are lucky, an osprey at the right time of the year. What you might not expect to spy, is a herd of alpacas.

Alpacaly Ever After is the brainchild of two Mancunians, who made their way to the Lakes 7 years ago and, on what seems to be on a whim, set about starting their own flock from scratch. Now they have a thriving business offering walks with Alpacas, which our guests have given glowing reports, making us curious to find out more.

When Emma and Terry, the owners of Alpacaly Ever After, moved from Manchester to the Lake District, they decided to immerse themselves in the local farming community by breeding the Peruvian livestock. Emma, a children’s author, and Terry, a former soldier, are candid about their lack of farming experience, but what they lacked in experience, they certainly made up for in enthusiasm. They now have a herd of over 80 delightfully funny-looking alpacas that is growing all the time. All the alpacas have names and their individual characteristics are regularly introduced to us via social media posts. They also design and make ethical and sustainable products that promote alpacas and their yarn.

Their success has been rooted in their love for the breed, Emma’s creativity and story-telling and Terry’s tenacity. Their alpaca walking videos have gone viral over social media as everyone wants to lead these curious creatures on adventures in the Lakes, and get photos of them doing so. Celebrities have even been in touch asking for new born alpacas to be named after them. Their mission has been clear from the start; to provide people with hugely enjoyable and unique alpaca experiences and a home for unwanted alpacas.

Alpacaly Ever After offers walks in a number of beautiful locations in the Lake District. The closest to Another Place, The Lake is in the stunning grounds of Lingholm Estate, on the shores of Derwent Water, about 25 minutes from the hotel. Here, the activity last 1.5 hours including an hour’s walk and a feeding session at the end. The walk is suitable for all, as it takes place on flat ground and can be adapted for wheelchair users. You are able to stroll along at alpaca pace and take in the sights of Lingholm Estate and Derwent Water, alongside your friendly companion.

You are also able to meet the alpacas at the Lakes Distillery near Bassenthwaite Lake, a 40-minute drive from the hotel. Here, you are able to hand feed the herd, feel the softness of a baby alpaca’s coat and have you your alpaca questions answered. The activity last 30 minutes and involves hand feeding the herd, getting to know them and learning lots from the guide.

The newest addition is forest walks, in Whinlatter, about 30 minutes from the hotel. Here, you can lead alpacas through a mountain forest, taking in some of the amazing views that reveal themselves through the network of pathways.

If you fancy walking one of these unusual creatures for yourself next time you come and visit us, then bookings can be made directly through their website www.alpacalyeverafter.co.uk